Patterned paper sensors printed with long-chain DNA aptamers

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Developing printable paper sensors is crucial for rapid analyte detection in various fields.
• A key challenge is identifying bioinks that support high-speed printing and maintain functionality post-printing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel, printable bioink for paper sensors using DNA aptamers.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of inkjet printing for fabricating functional paper-based analytical devices.

Main Methods:

• Utilized megadalton-sized tandem repeating structure-switching DNA aptamers (concatemeric aptamers) in an aqueous ink formulation.
• Employed inkjet printing technology to rapidly pattern these concatemeric aptamers onto filter paper substrates.
• Investigated the immobilization and structural dynamics of aptamers for signal transduction.

Main Results:

• The concatemeric aptamer ink is amenable to high-speed inkjet printing and remains functional after printing.
• Immobilized aptamers exhibit segmental mobility, enabling structure switching and fluorescence signaling for detection.
• Successfully demonstrated qualitative and quantitative detection of small molecules and protein targets.

Conclusions:

• Developed a simple and effective method for creating patterned paper sensors using DNA aptamer bioinks.
• Inkjet printing offers a versatile platform for on-demand, multiplexed paper sensor fabrication.
• The printable aptamer sensors show promise for diverse applications in environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnostics.